Durham's battle against relegation has received yet another major setback with the news Australian seamer Mick Lewis will be forced to miss the last two weeks of the season.

Lewis has been instructed to return to Australia to take part in Victoria's pre-season training camp, even though the 32-year-old had pleaded with his domestic employers to allow him to remain in the North-East because of Durham's precarious league position.

Lewis has not had the major impact some expected this season with only 30 Championship wickets at an average of 30.40, but his experience would have been vital in such a nerve-shredding situation. Durham are fourth from bottom in the Liverpool Victoria Championship and third from bottom in the Pro 40 League.

He will be allowed to play against Hampshire at Chester-le-Street this week, but will miss the Championship trips to title-chasing Lancashire and relegation rivals Yorkshire. He will also miss the vital Pro 40 one day game against Essex Eagles on September 17 which Durham must win to have any chance of remaining in the top division. Given that Durham are also highly unlikely to be able to play Graham Onions because of his call up to the England one-day squad for the series against Pakistan, news of Lewis' premature departure could not have come at a worse time for coach Martyn Moxon.

"It's a major disappointment for us with so many crucial games to come this season," said Moxon.

"Mick told Victoria he didn't want to go, but they insisted he left so there is nothing we can do about it.

"They are preparing for the start of their season and they want to make sure he's there for that.

"It's a setback, but we have to get on with it. He'll leave after the Hampshire game so I'm sure he'll want to go out with a bang."

Moxon will hope there is some good news, though, in the form of Liam Plunkett's fitness. The Teessider has not played since a side strain picked up while playing for England, but his return could be perfect timing for his county.

With Onions now on international duty in his place, Plunkett should be allowed to play for Durham against Lancashire and Essex.